Dracula and Dracula's Guest & Other Stories Edited and Introduced by David Stuart DaviesThe above is followed with a rich collection of Stoker's macabre tales including Dracula's Guest (which was omitted from the final version of Dracula): a devilishly dangerous haunted room in 'The Judge's House': a fatalistic tragedy in 'The Burial of the Rats': a terror of revenge from beyond the grave in 'The Secret of Growing Gold', and a surprising twist in the tail in 'The Gypsy's Prophecy'. Other strange and frightening episodes provide a feast of terror for those readers who like to be unnerved as well as entertained.DraculaIntroduction and Notes by Dr David Rogers, Kingston University'There he lay looking as if youth had been half-renewed, for the white hair and moustache were changed to dark iron-grey, the cheeks were fuller, and the white skin seemed ruby-red underneath: the mouth was redder than ever, for on the lips were gouts of fresh blood, which trickled from the corners of the mouth and ran over the chin and neck. Even the deep, burning eyes seemed set amongst the swollen flesh, for the lids and pouches underneath were bloated. It seemed as if the whole awful creature were simply gorged with blood: he lay like a filthy leech, exhausted with his repletion.' Thus Bram Stoker, one of the greatest exponents of the supernatural narrative, describes the demonic subject of his chilling masterpiece Dracula a truly iconic and unsettling tale of vampirism.

Guy de Maupassant was a master of the short story. This collection displays his lively diversity, with tales that vary in theme and tone, ranging from tragedy and satire to comedy and farce. In a lucidly direct style, he provides unflinching realism and skeptical irony. He depicts the deceptions, hypocrisies and vanities at different levels of society. Prostitution is frankly described, while the harshness of war is deftly exposed. His tales have been televised and have influenced films, operas and rock music. Unillusioned but humane, Maupassant remains our contemporary. Short Stories include: Boule de Suif Two Friends Madame Tellier’s Establishment Mademoiselle Fifi Clair de Lune Miss Harriet The Necklace Mademoiselle Pearl The Piece of String Madame Husson’s ‘Rosier’ That Pig of a Morin Useless Beauty The Olive Orchard A Sale Love Two Little Soldiers Happiness